IRCC Holds First Skilled Trades Express Entry Draw of 2024

On July 4, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw for candidates in skilled trades occupations. This draw marked a significant milestone for the year, issuing 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to qualified candidates.

In this draw, designated as round #300, the cut-off score was set at 436, reflecting an increase of eleven points from the previous draw for this category-based selection. The tie-breaking rule applied for this round was July 16, 2023, at 15:44:59 UTC, ensuring that candidates with the same score who submitted their profiles earlier were given priority.

As of July 2, 2024, there were 222,547 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool, indicating a highly competitive landscape for applicants. This year, Canada has issued a total of 46,174 ITAs through 22 Express Entry draws, underscoring the country’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled workers to meet labor market needs.

The introduction of occupation-specific draws for skilled trades is part of IRCC’s strategy to address specific labor shortages and ensure that the Canadian workforce is equipped with essential skills. These draws focus on candidates with expertise in trades such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, among others, who play a critical role in various industries across Canada.

The increased cut-off score in this draw highlights the competitive nature of the selection process, encouraging applicants to enhance their profiles by gaining additional work experience, improving language skills, or obtaining higher education qualifications.

Overall, the first Skilled Trades Express Entry draw of 2024 reflects Canada’s dedication to attracting top talent in crucial sectors, ensuring the country’s economic growth and development. The continued issuance of ITAs through occupation-specific draws demonstrates IRCC’s adaptive approach to meeting the evolving needs of the Canadian labor market.